Student Academic Success

The College of Nursing’s Academic Success Center (ASC) was established in spring 2009. The goal of the ASC is to increase retention of undergraduate nursing students struggling with the rigorous curriculum. An early intervention model is used to target potential problem areas and assist students before academic performance issues begin. With minimal funding, this proactive approach to student retention is currently accomplished through the use of group tutoring and Academic Success workshops.

Undergraduate nursing instructor Chris Garrison coordinates the tutoring component of ASC. Working closely with Nursing faculty, Mr. Garrison identifies and recruits successful upper-level students to conduct group tutoring sessions in subjects such as Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Pharmacology, and Physical Exam & Assessment. Tutors are compensated for their time and expertise and serve as mentors for beginning students.

Instructional designers in the College of Nursing offer Academic Success Workshops, which are available to all first-semester nursing students. Using a metacognitive model called the Let Me Learn process, staff work with students to identify their individual learning preferences. The goal is to assist students in the development of effective strategies to increase academic success in the nursing curriculum and become autonomous, lifelong learners. Additional Academic Success Workshops are offered on subjects ranging from textbook reading to test-taking skills.

Dr. Cheryl Zambroski, associate professor & interim assistant dean of academics, Undergraduate Program, is assisting with a capital campaign effort to establish a staffed Academic Success Center within the College of Nursing. Expanded services would include individual tutoring sessions, writing and research assistance, web-based tutoring for distance learning students, and supplemental instruction sessions led by undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants.

Story by Jeff Hall
Photo by Lissette Campos
Originally published in the Fall 2009 Nursing Life magazine